How Much Does a Business License Cost in Nevada

If you’re an entrepreneur in Nevada, you know that starting a business in the Silver State can be a great idea, thanks to relatively few regulations and low tax rates. However, before you can open the doors on your new venture, you must obtain all the correct paperwork, including a business license.

Unlike other states, Nevada does require a general business license for pretty much any entity operating within its borders. Additionally, cities and counties may have their own business license requirements. For example, if you run your company in the city of Reno, you need a separate license on top of the state certification.

Since this process can be somewhat confusing and time-consuming, we will outline all the steps and costs associated with obtaining a business license (or licenses) in Nevada.

Business license cost in Nevada

A general business license for LLCs, partnerships, and sole proprietorships costs $200, and it must be renewed annually at the same price. If you’re forming a corporation within the state, the cost is $500, both initially and per renewal. If you’re selling physical products, you must also obtain a sales tax permit, which only costs $15 per location. However, if you’re selling alcohol, the rates can vary depending on how you’re selling it (e.g., a liquor store vs. a brewpub that only sells beer and wine). These sales tax permits can cost between $50 and $100, and they go up if you’re a wholesale business.

As far as business license costs per city, they can range widely, depending on the city and type of business you operate. For example, in Las Vegas, all businesses (except for professional services, like an accountant) must pay a $300 license fee, which breaks down to $250 for the license and $50 for processing. Alternatively, in Reno, the city bases license fees on the type of business, and you must contact the Business Licenses Division to determine those costs.

Typically, these licenses must be renewed annually, often for the same cost as the initial licensing fee. Cities, counties, and the state also impose fines and penalties for late renewals. For example, the state imposes a $100 late fee and marks your business as “default.” The longer your company remains in default, the more likely the state will revoke your business charter, effectively shutting down your company entirely.

Do you need a business license in Nevada?

Yes, all individuals and entities conducting business within the state of Nevada will need to obtain a general business license. All entity types are required to become licensed, including limited liability companies, corporations, sole proprietorships, and partnerships. Even foreign-based companies must still get a license before they can operate within the state.

Fortunately, Nevada helps streamline licensure by providing an online business portal, called Silver Flume. This portal walks you through each step of the process, including providing documents for you to download and enabling you to upload them once signed.

As we mentioned, most cities and counties also set their own business license requirements, so it’s best to figure out how many licenses you need before launching your company. Here’s a full list of the counties and cities with additional licensing.

Types of business licenses in Nevada with costs

Before you can move forward with licensing in any city or county, you must obtain both your Nevada Business License and any required sales tax permits. Cities and counties will need to verify these details before you can obtain a secondary license.

Nevada cities with unique business license requirements

• Boulder City
• Caliente
• Carson City
• Carlin
• Elko
• Ely
• Fallon
• Fernly
• Henderson
• Las Vegas
• Lovelock
• Mesquite
• North Las Vegas
• Reno
• Sparks
• Wells
• West Wendover
• Winnemucca
• Yerington

Nevada counties that require licensing or permitting

• Churchill County
• Clark County
• Douglas County
• Elko County
• Esmerelda County
• Eureka County
• Humboldt County
• Lander County
• Lincoln County
• Lyon County
• Mineral County
• Nye County
• Pershing County
• Storey County
• Washoe County
• White Pine County

Nevada towns with business license requirements

• Gardnerville
• Minden
• Pahrump
• Tonopah

In many cases, you’ll need to obtain business licenses at the state, county, and city levels. For example, if you’re starting a business in Las Vegas, you’ll first need a state-level license, then a Clark County license, and finally a license for the City of Las Vegas. Each entity sets its own fees and requirements, and you must obtain them in order.

For a complete list of requirements and fees, refer to the Nevada Business Startup Guide. This guide not only runs through specific city and county-level requirements, but it also provides links to fill out the proper documentation. Fortunately, you can submit all of your paperwork and fees online, although there is often an option to mail hard copies if you prefer to submit actual paperwork.

In some cases, you may also require federal permitting and licensing to operate your business in Nevada. The most common situation where this is required is if you’re planning on selling alcohol, tobacco, or firearms. In these cases, you’ll either need to get a permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Businesses and industries that require additional licensing

Many different types of businesses require more than just a generic business license to operate in Nevada. The state breaks them down into three main categories: Professional, Environmental, and Public Health.

Some examples of professional services include accountants, attorneys, chiropractors, cannabis purveyors (growing, selling, distributing), embalmers, notaries, counselors, social workers, and vets.

Examples of environmental businesses include those that may impact air or water quality as a result of their operations. Typically, these include businesses in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Contractors, construction companies, and HVAC businesses can also fall into this category. In most cases, you must register your business with the Nevada State Contractors Board and pay for annual licensing.

Finally, the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health is in charge of licensing businesses that fall under the Public Health category. These can include restaurants, clinics, doctors’ offices, and more.

Again, the Nevada Business Startup Guide has a complete list of all business types that require additional licensing.

Renewing your business license in Nevada

In Nevada, business license renewals are due on the last day of the month in which you obtained your license. For example, if you receive a license in March, your renewal is due by March 31st the following year. Nevada imposes a late fee of $100 if you fail to meet this deadline. As a result, your business will be immediately listed as “in default” until all fees and penalties are paid in full.

Each city and county sets its own renewal dates and fees. In most cases, a business license is valid for one year, but not always. For example, in the city of Henderson, business licenses are only valid for six months. If you have a gaming license, you must renew it every three months.

Usually, each entity will notify you at least 30 days before your license expires. However, if you have a registered agent, keep in mind that official correspondence will be sent to the agent, not necessarily your business or corporate office. That’s why it’s imperative to have a reliable and consistent registered agent to manage these license renewals and fees.

The bottom line about getting a business license in Nevada

As you can see, getting licensed in Nevada is a bit more complicated than in other states because you’ll likely have to get licensed by the state, county, and city in which you operate. Also, each entity sets its own requirements and rules, including renewal dates, processing fees, and more.

Because this process is more complex, it makes sense to get help when starting your Nevada company. Not only can a consultant help you navigate various portals and paperwork, but they can also help with renewals and managing so many licenses. Also, keep in mind that if you choose to expand your business to other cities or counties within the state, you’ll need to obtain new licenses with each expansion.

Overall, with the right preparation, starting a business in Nevada can be an exciting and lucrative venture.

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